On Wednesday, A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports told the Bulls Talk podcast that New York will go all-in on its Irving pursuit.

"I've spoken with people within [the Knicks] organization. They have made it absolutely crystal clear to me that—if they had their pick of guys that are going to be in the free-agent market [next] summer—Kyrie would be their first, second, third and fourth choice," Blakely said.

The 26-year-old Duke product is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract. He's set to make $20.1 million, with a player option for $21.3 million in 2019-20.

Discussion about his future is amplified because he's remained noncommittal about staying with the Celtics. He sidestepped an inquiry from theNew York Times'SopanDebabout the topic in June:

"Well, I mean I know that question is going to come up a lot over the next year, just based upon where my deal is. And, you know, that time will arise, and when it does I think I'll have a better, clear, concise answer for a lot of people that are going to ask. Yeah, I just have to take it as being present with the Boston Celtics. You know, and just going into this year with the mindset of trying to win a championship."

Irving averaged 24.4 points, 5.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds across 60 appearances during his debut year with the Celtics last season. His campaign came to a premature end in March because of a knee injury, however.

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Meanwhile, the Knicks are slowly stockpiling building blocks, led byKristapsPorzingisand Kevin Knox. But they are going to need more star power to compete in the top-heavy NBA.

In July,Joe Cowleyof theChicago Sun-Timesreported Irving and Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Jimmy Butler, another potential free agent after next season, are working behind the scenes with a plan to "build an elite backcourt, whether that's in Boston or somewhere else in the East."

A starting lineup of Irving, Butler, Knox,PorzingisandEnesKanterwould make New York a legitimate threat heading into next year and beyond. It's going to take time before Knicks fans find out whether that's a realistic endgame, though.